Shopping column: Spring comes early at outdoor show

“Lifestyle expo” has vendors, seminars and even an oak cabin.

A column by Cindy Larson

Friday, January 25, 2013 - 12:01 am

If you're an outdoor enthusiast — or if you've ever dreamed of living in a log home — you may want to check out the Outdoor Sports, Lake and Cabin Show this weekend at Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.

It's described as a “total lifestyle expo for active outdoor enthusiasts and for people who own, or would like to own, a log, timber-frame or other rustic cabin or home.”

Entertainment options include a lumberjack show and competition three times a day, log rolling, carving, climbing, sawing and more. Other options: live fishing in two ponds, kayak rides in a 25,000-gallon lagoon, and “riding” a Harley-Davidson on a motorcycle simulator.

Exhibitors will be trying to interest you in ATVs, bicycles, boats, canoes and kayaks, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and climbing gear, hunting and fishing guides, trips and lodges, log and timber-frame homes, personal watercraft, cottage furnishings and decor, and more.

There will be a pre-built oak cabin on site and free seminars, clinics and demonstrations.

Hours: noon-9 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults with free admission for children 12 and younger. Tickets are valid for the entire weekend. For more information, go to www.outdoorsportslakecabinshow.com.

Planning a wedding?

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, 1600 S. Wayne St., Auburn, is hosting the 15th annual Classic City Bridal Show noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the show is $5 per person, which includes admission to the museum's galleries.

Exhibitors will showcase wedding-related products and services. Attendees also can check out the museum as a possible venue for a wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner. The museum's banquet and conference center accommodates events of up to 500 people. A museum staff member will be there during the bridal show to answer questions, give additional information and check date availability.

PJ party at Shipshewana

Some shops open as early as 5 a.m., and retailers offer sales such as a free gift with purchase or discounts of up to 60 percent on some items. According to Beth Thornburg, executive director of the LaGrange County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, some groups or spouses wear matching pajamas and make a weekend of it by staying at one of the community's hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.

Details on Vera Bradley outlet sale

Save the date for the 2013 Vera Bradley outlet sale, April 9-14, at Memorial Coliseum. Admission on April 9, 10 and 11 requires a $5 ticket; admission is free April 12, 13 and 14. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1; registration opens at the same time.

Here are more details:

•Hours for April 9, 10 and 11 are 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., with 3,500 tickets available each session. Sessions are 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m.; 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 2:30-5 p.m.; and 6-8:30 p.m. There is a limit of eight tickets per customer.

•Hours for April 12 and 13 are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; April 14 hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.